Speak Out For Trails & Bike Routes
Join those in our community asking for safer places to walk and bicycle. 241 individuals have signed the petition. Now we need folks to fill out the 1 minute questionnaire to state your priorities and interests. A list of projects, descriptions, and maps can be found here.
Portland Riverfront Update
The Portland Town Meeting and voting on the proposed purchase of 5.28 acres of deep-docking riverfront, originally scheduled for February 28, was postponed to allow officials to investigate title issues related to the oil pipeline that remains on the property. If you wish to receive an email notification when the town meeting is rescheduled, reply to this message with “Portland Riverfront” in the subject line. Information on the project is here.
Route 9 Traffic Signals
Engineers from CT DOT will present revised plans to Rt. 9 in Middletown on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Middletown High School, La Rosa Lane. Descriptions of proposed changes and pictures may be viewed here . The Jonah Center led opposition to the previous proposal's 23 foot wall at the bottom on Washington St. The new, revised plan avoids that terrible feature and is much improved. Removing the traffic signals would bring many benefits such as reduced pollution and fuel consumption, fewer accidents, and less wasted time sitting in traffic jams.
Mattabassett Sewage Treatment Plant Tour
The Jonah Center has arranged for an educational tour of the wastewater treatment plant in Cromwell on Wed. April 11, 1:30 – 3 p.m. The tour can accommodate only 10 persons (no children under 18 years old). To sign up reply to this email as soon as possible and write “Mattabassett Tour” in the subject line. This event was prompted by questions regarding the Oct. 30, 2017 sewage spill of 3.6 million gallons following heavy rains that overwhelmed the plant.
Upcoming Hikes
Join ecotherapist Beth Lapin on a nature hike at Long Hill Estate, on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. This is a mostly level loop walk through the park. Beth will be leading another hike at Hubbard Brook Preserve on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. This is also a mostly level walk, including views of the Connecticut River. Details and registration info may be found at https://healingnaturect.com/news-and-events/ .
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Environmental Legislation
Connecticut’s budget woes have taken a big toll on the environment. Funds collected from rate payers and set aside to support energy efficiency and renewable energy were raided by the legislature to support the state's operating budget. Residential solar is at risk from Eversource’s recommendations to disallow “net metering” – the main financial incentive for solar. Concerned citizens may track proposed legislation through the CT League of Conservation Voters here. The Jonah Center is once again supporting an effort to protect snapping turtles through the same statute that protects other forms of wildlife from commercial traffic.
